The judge in Julian Assange's US extradition hearing has warned the court after a photograph was taken in the London court room. District Judge Vanessa Baraitser opened with a stern caution the third day of the WikiLeaks founder's hearing at the Woolwich Crown Court on Wednesday. Judge Baraitser said a photograph had been taken in the courtroom at some point during the week and that was a crime. "I want to make is absolutely clear that it is a criminal offence to attempt to take photograph or to take photograph in any court," she said. "The prohibitions on photographs are absolute." She said if she found out who had taken the photograph or if anyone else tried to take a photograph they would be prosecuted. "I will consider this person to be in contempt of this court and I will deal with them accordingly," Judge Baraitser. Defence barrister Edward Fitzgerald rose to let the judge know that Assange, who has been subject to strip searches and had his case files confiscated by prison guards, is now on medication. "If he needs a break could I invite the court to give him one," he asked. Judge Baraitser said that was an appropriate course of action. The US government is trying to extradite Assange to face 17 charges of violating the US Espionage Act and one of conspiring to commit computer intrusion over leaking and publishing thousands of classified US diplomatic and military files. The charges carry a total of 175 years' imprisonment. Australian Associated Press
A photo has been taken in court at Julian Assange's extradition hearing in the London.
The judge in Julian Assange's US extradition hearing has warned the court after a photograph was taken in the London court room.
District Judge Vanessa Baraitser opened with a stern caution the third day of the WikiLeaks founder's hearing at the Woolwich Crown Court on Wednesday.
Judge Baraitser said a photograph had been taken in the courtroom at some point during the week and that was a crime.
"I want to make is absolutely clear that it is a criminal offence to attempt to take photograph or to take photograph in any court," she said.
"The prohibitions on photographs are absolute."
She said if she found out who had taken the photograph or if anyone else tried to take a photograph they would be prosecuted.
"I will consider this person to be in contempt of this court and I will deal with them accordingly," Judge Baraitser.
Defence barrister Edward Fitzgerald rose to let the judge know that Assange, who has been subject to strip searches and had his case files confiscated by prison guards, is now on medication.
"If he needs a break could I invite the court to give him one," he asked.
Judge Baraitser said that was an appropriate course of action.
The US government is trying to extradite Assange to face 17 charges of violating the US Espionage Act and one of conspiring to commit computer intrusion over leaking and publishing thousands of classified US diplomatic and military files.
The charges carry a total of 175 years' imprisonment.
